It’s getting colder and colder, and we’re only at the start of Winter. Whether you’re looking for a reliable car to use at home during this season or for a winter trip overseas, we’ve compiled a list of the best vehicles for Winter driving.
Snow in the UK
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Whilst the thought sounds lovely, the actual reality is that British snow can cause havoc on the roads. Unlike the picturesque scenes in Canada, snow in the UK quickly turns slushy and slippery – and can often hide black ice, causing challenges for motorists.
In conditions where ice and snow cover the road, an all-wheel drive car or SUV has a definite advantage. But if you want to get your vehicle more traction for slippery roads, then winter tyres are necessary.
Winter Tyres
Did you know that winter tyres use different rubber compounds and tread patterns to help improve the car’s ability to drive in snowy areas? They do this by enhancing the vehicle’s overall grip and braking capabilities.
Manufacturers typically recommend switching to winter tyres when the temperature drops below seven degrees – and depending on your location, they may be compulsory, which is typical in some parts of Europe, so be sure to check before you travel.
This blog has compiled a list of the best cars for snowy conditions.
Jeep Compass
The new 2018 Jeep Compass will boast impressive off-road abilities and comes with a variable all-wheel drive system that can send power to each tire when needed – making it an excellent choice for snowy conditions. The SUV has plenty of space for your whole family and comes in a hybrid version, “4Xe”. If you choose to go hybrid, you’ll also reap savings by paying less tax.
Volkswagen T-Cross
The Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t the most affordable model compared to the other vehicles mentioned on this list. However, it does have four different price levels, which can suit a range of budgets.
The T-Cross is designed to be light and small, enabling better control and braking abilities when driving through snow. Its front fog lights feature a cornering function. The car has six airbags as standard, alongside an innovative collision-avoidance system that automatically applies the brakes when a potential collision is detected.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been designed with safety in mind. This is the perfect car for you if your main priority is safety when driving in snowy conditions. Here are some of the safety features that come as standard:
– Three-point seatbelt
– Emergency call button
– Front-collision warning system
– Automatic emergency breaking
– Top speed limit of 112 MPH
If you choose to opt for the EV version, you can take advantage of preconditioning functionality which enables you to heat the car remotely, so when you’re ready to go, your car is comfortable – which is a real benefit in winter weather.
Skoda Kodiaq
This model is an excellent SUV for a family winter break due to its roomy interior and ample storage space. The Skoda Kodiaq comes in a range of options, including five- or seven-seater versions, an all-wheel drive option and an entirely off-road optimised model.
The Skoda Kodiaq is one of the best options for affordability on this list, coming in much cheaper than its counterparts, such as Hyundai or Volkswagen.
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a practical and sensible choice for drivers who want to tackle icy roads. Its new look increased ground clearance (19 cm), and fuel efficiency improvements from hybrids coupled with winter tyres that increase traction on slippery surfaces make this vehicle an attractive alternative in today’s market compared to other similar cars such as Toyota Kluger or Nissan Juke.
Land Rover Commercial Defender 90
The off-roading possibilities are endless with this rugged beauty. Whether driving through snow or sand, the Defender has all your needs covered – it will keep traction going even on slushy surfaces! The shorter wheelbase makes agile driving easy while providing stability on tight turns or switchbacks without sacrificing power.
The interior is heated and bright, so Winter’s dark days don’t seem quite as long anymore.
Ready to purchase your new winter car?
It is better to obtain a car finance quote before choosing your desired vehicle. By doing this, you can understand how much you can afford to borrow and how much it’ll cost you each month.
Marsh Finance offers a FREE eligibility check, where you can find out if you’re pre-approved for finance without impacting your credit score.
Representative Example
Rates from 12.9%
Representative example: borrowing £10,000 over 60 Months with a representative of 23.0% APR, an annual interest rate of 23.0% (fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be 59 repayments of £269.58 per month, with one final repayment of £279.58 (which includes the option to purchase fee of £10.00), with a total cost of credit of £6,184.80 and a total amount payable of £16,184.80. Marsh Finance Limited are a lender, not a broker.
Marsh Finance Limited are a lender, not a broker.
This is for illustrative purposes only and is not a quote or an offer of finance.